The Bishwa Ijtema meaning Global Congregation) is an annual gathering of Muslims in Tongi, by the banks of the River Turag, in the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world. The Ijtema is a prayer meeting spread over three days, during which attending devotees perform daily prayers while listening to scholars reciting and explaining verses from the Quran. It culminates in the Akheri Munajat, or the Concluding Supplication (Final Prayer), Maulana Zubair Ahmed in which millions of devotees raise their hands in front of Allah (God) and pray for world peace.
The Ijtema is considered a demonstration of Muslim unity, solidarity, mutual love, and respect and an opportunity to reiterate their commitment to Islamic values.
